Srinagar, March 05: The Directorate of Extension, SKUAST-K, in collaboration with MANAGE Hyderabad, has launched a three-day online training programme on “Developing Agritourism Startups in Jammu & Kashmir through Managerial and Marketing Skill Development.”
Running from March 5 to March 7, the initiative aims to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with essential skills to explore and capitalise on agribusiness and tourism opportunities in the region. Prof. Nazir Ahmed Ganai, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir, and a key proponent of agri-startup development, emphasised the programme’s role in fostering agripreneurship, sustainable tourism ventures, and livelihood security. He stated that this training should serve as a foundation for future skill development initiatives, promoting ecological restoration and economic empowerment.
Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension/SAMETI SKUAST-K, highlighted the region’s natural beauty as an asset for agritourism and underscored the need for innovative entrepreneurial ventures that leverage Kashmir’s scenic landscape for sustainable economic growth. Dr. Shahji Phand, Deputy Director at MANAGE, provided insights into the diverse dimensions of agritourism, noting its potential in Kashmir’s rural economy. He stressed that a robust agribusiness ecosystem could create viable employment opportunities while preserving the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage. The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Sushirekha Das, Programme Coordinator at MANAGE Hyderabad, followed by an introductory session led by Course Director Prof. Farahanaz Rasool. The training will cover key aspects of agritourism startups, including, entrepreneurship schemes supporting agribusiness ventures, faculty and student-led startup initiatives, the role of startups in India and impulse programmes fostering innovation besides, the potential of organic and ecotourism in Kashmir.
Eminent domain experts, including Prof. Purshottam Singh, Er. Riyaz Ashraf, Dr. Fazil Fayaz, Dr. Khalid Masoodi, Dr. Sushirekha Das, Dr. Shahji Phand, Dr. K. Gautam, and Dr. Sajad Baba, will share valuable insights and practical knowledge with participants. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Er. Qurat, Deputy Director of SAMETI. This collaborative initiative marks a significant step toward promoting agritourism startups in Jammu & Kashmir, harnessing the region’s natural resources for sustainable economic development.
